TO THE HILT

Femi Gbajabiamila is a trusted and competent ally, writes James Olaolu

It was a tortuous journey to victory. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is unarguably a cat with nine lives. Only a few mortals survived the vicious attacks and obstacles placed on his way to fulfil his life-long ambition. Tinubu governed Lagos between 1999 and 2007, bequeathing enviable legacies in transportation, health, environment and pursued a thorough public service reform, setting the state on the path of sustainable growth.

When he was seeking re-election in 2003, Tinubu fought the political behemoth of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), who preferred to perpetually have him under their wings. He gained the confidence of the acolytes and Lagosians with his unique style of leadership and politics that places premium on mass emancipation of people. He convinced many to follow him, and he earned their respect as a courageous and visionary leader.

Hon Hakeem Olufemi Gbajabiamila, was among young crop of emerging leaders, who subscribed to the Tinubu political school of thought. Dozens of young professionals, who had made their marks in their respective fields of endevour, were attracted to Tinubu for leadership mentorship. Many of them are top flyers in the nation’s polity today, including Gbajabiamila, who rose to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Like many loyal lieutenants of Tinubu, Gbajabiamila has demonstrated unalloyed loyalty to the course of the Leader as a faithful protegee. Since 2003 when Gbajabiamila, was first elected into the Green Chamber, he remained constant like a Northern star, in his progressivism political ideology. He never jumped ship, even when the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reigned supreme in the parliament. Goodies were dangled at him to have him on their side, but Gbajabiamila stayed committed to his progressive ideals and was loyal to Tinubu.

When it was time for the leadership of the House in 2019, it was not a hard sell getting Gbajabiamila to lead the House. Those who have known him over the years, are aware of his capacity, and competence. Fast forward to 2022, the presidential ambition of Asiwaju Tinubu had gathered steam. Presidential race in the most populous black nation on earth is not for little minds. It is a contention against forces within and without, and powerful stakeholders who consider the nation as their conquest. Gbajabiamila, worked behind the scenes ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries. Powerful forces within APC, were bent on forestalling the emergence of Tinubu as the flagbearer. The primary election which was earlier scheduled for May 30th, would later be held on June 7. Gbajabiamila, was vocal on the need for power to shift to the South and was very emphatic of his support for Bola Tinubu. The needed political bridges and handshakes across regions were solidified, and he led the elite consensus parlay within the APC for the candidacy of Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila consolidated his support for Tinubu by rallying the APC caucus in the House of Representatives for his preferred candidate. Though the lawmakers were not eligible to vote at the convention, they undoubtedly influenced the delegates from the respective states to vote for Asiwaju Tinubu. 

Asiwaju Tinubu trounced all his challengers, including sitting Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. He scored 1,271 votes to clinch the party’s ticket at the Special National Convention of the party.

The other aspirants included Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, Mr Tein Jack-Rich and Gov. Ben Ayade. Others were Governor David Umuahi, Senator Ahmad Yarima, Dr Ahmed Lawal, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Yahaya Bello and Mr Ogbonnaya Onu.

The race began with 23 aspirants, but nine withdrew shortly before the commencement of voting at the convention.

They included Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye, Dr Felix Nicholas, former Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

In his congratulatory message, Gbajabiamila hailed the courage of the Leader in the face of daunting challenges. He said, “I congratulate my mentor for this victory. This is a victory for democracy and Nigerians as a whole. With the manner he went about his campaigns, Asiwaju has proved to be a hero of our democracy.

“From day one, he stood his ground that the APC must organize a free, fair and transparent presidential primary if it wanted to remain the party to beat. He advocated that and remained steadfast. This will make the party come out peaceful and victorious in the end.

“I commend Asiwaju’s doggedness, determination, resilience and tenacity in pursuing his ambition without indulging in any activity that would affect other aspirants and the image of the party.

“This is a victory for APC, a victory for its members and indeed a victory for Nigeria and its democracy”.

The last lap on the journey to the Villa, was the main election, which turned out to be the most keenly contested election. Gbajabiamila, was everywhere with Tinubu. From Jos, to Lagos, Adamawa, everywhere. Gbajabiamila stood by him through the turbulent period. 

Few weeks before the presidential polls, Gbajabiamila sponsored advertisements on national television stations to sway voters in favour of Asiwaju. All the efforts paid off as APC wins the keenly contested election.

Perhaps, the gallant role of the Speaker in the emergence of Tinubu as the president must have been the rationale behind the rumour in town that Tinubu had tipped Gbajabiamila as the Chief of Staff. If that was the thought and plan of the Leader, the Rt Hon Gbajabiamila deserves it. His experience in national politics will also be a great asset if considered for the position.

Olaolu writes from Lagos